Definition of juncturenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun juncture differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of juncture are contingency, crisis, emergency, exigency, pinch, straits, and strait. While all these words mean "a critical or crucial time or state of affairs," juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

In what contexts can contingency take the place of juncture?

While the synonyms contingency and juncture are close in meaning, contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

Where would crisis be a reasonable alternative to juncture?

Although the words crisis and juncture have much in common, crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

When might emergency be a better fit than juncture?

The words emergency and juncture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

When would exigency be a good substitute for juncture?

While in some cases nearly identical to juncture, exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

How does the word pinch relate to other synonyms for juncture?

Pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

How are the words strait and straits related as synonyms of juncture?

Strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of juncture Any clinical ethicist would advise at this juncture that Pike may fully regain decision-making capacity and is already showing signs of understanding and appreciation. — M. Sara Rosenthal, STAT, 13 Oct. 2026 Interpreting the message from the options market at this juncture is tricky. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 To get gear in, FORM staffers typically meet the artist’s semis at the nearest major road juncture and load equipment into box trucks. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026 This puzzle is stuffed with nuance, pleasing crosses and a lot of simply terrific, ridiculously evocative stuff — for example, a jarring assortment of lovely trivia intersecting with some hideous ailments at more than one juncture. — Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for juncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for juncture
Noun
  • Trump won the area in 2020 by 2 points before padding his victory to 9 points in 2024.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The point is to have that conversation before the savings have already been committed elsewhere.
    — Christoph Trattner, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Along the way, the riders crossed mountain passes, passed through towns and villages, and dealt with the usual assortment of traffic and junctions.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Gins, Oudard said, sit at the crucial junction where agricultural output becomes textile industry input.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Advertisement The protests are also occurring amid a wider crisis of political confidence in the country.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The agency, created in 1974 in the wake of the Arab oil embargo, is tasked with maintaining energy security by deploying oil stockpiles in response to crises like the wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Catch up on breaking news, exclusive interviews, political analysis, original reporting, and standout moments — all in one place, every week.
    — Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
  • These are but moments in an auteur’s widescreen epic that never sits still.
    — Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The group chose roads that would keep them moving, avoiding excessive stop-start riding at traffic lights and intersections wherever possible.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The break created a wall of water and rocks that shot across the intersection of Kenya Street and Vanalden Avenue, according to CBS News.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Now, in yet another blow to national self-esteem, the ex-head of Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, the BND, has been arrested on charges of exploiting state secrets.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Instead of exchanging the entire print head, the K3 swaps a smaller assembly containing the nozzle, hotend and filament path.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The security situation in southern Lebanon has worsened substantially since then, with the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war in March.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Hailey, who was sitting and listening, likens their situations.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The driver then reversed, freeing the man, who suffered severe injuries to his lower extremities.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The man had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his extremities, including his arms and legs.
    — Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Juncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/juncture. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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